Tangled Vows, His Regret

Synopsis

Our social circle knew us well: Edward and Olivia Hawthorne, the "perpetually divorcing" couple. This latest remarriage, however, brought a change. I reined in my sharp tongue; he seemingly settled his restless heart. Our social circle knew us well: Edward and Olivia Hawthorne, the "perpetually divorcing" couple. Yes, we had been divorced eight times. This latest remarriage, I reined in my sharp tongue; he seemingly settled his restless heart. We became, to all appearances, the reformed pair—a testament to second chances, held up as the new model of reconciliation among our peers. The night of my birthday party, the house hummed with congratulatory warmth. Edward slipped away for a phone call, returning with a distracted air. "An urgent matter, Olivia. I must go." He offered a quick kiss on my cheek before disappearing into the night. I shrugged it off, losing myself once more in champagne and conversation. The revelry was broken by a notification. Jonathan Royce, never one to miss an opportunity, had sent a gift: a crystal-clear photo. Edward, at the airport terminal, was holding a young woman close. The music and laughter around me distorted into meaningless noise as I absorbed every detail. Coolly, I called him. "Will I see you tonight, sweetheart?" My voice was smooth silk. Edward paused for a moment before replying, "Things are a bit messy right now. Don't wait up." As soon as I hung up, I ordered someone to look into that woman immediately.